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What is marshmallow creme?

What is marshmallow creme?

Marshmallow creme is scoopable, spreadable marshmallow confection. Packaged in jars, the semi-liquid marshmallow is much softer than a regular marshmallow, and both creamy and sticky at the same time. I tend to always call this confection “marshmallow fluff,” although the name might not be familiar to all consumers, as it is actually a trademark for a single product. When produced by other companies, the marshmallow goo is labeled as “marshmallow creme” and you’re much more likely to see it on store shelves that way.

Marshmallow creme was invented in the early 20th century, after “regular” marshmallows had been in production for a number of years.  It is made using some of the same ingredients that come into play in most marshmallow recipes – sugar, corn syrup, vanilla – but creme usually uses egg whites (often in powdered form) while regular marshmallows tend to use gelatin as a stabilizer. The reason that marshmallows usually use gelatin is to give them some firmness, allowing them to be sliced and packaged in pieces. Marshmallow cream does not firm up and remains soft, even when it sits out for a while.

There are plenty of recipes that use marshmallow creme, including Fluffernutters and S’mores Cookie Bars.  You can make a great cream cheese frosting with the fluff, too. You can’t however, substitute regular marshmallows for fluff even if you melt them down. Fluff keeps for a very long time in the cupboard, so it’s something to keep on hand for a time when you might need it even if its not on your regular grocery list.

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20 Comments
  • Eliana
    March 31, 2009

    I really, really, really love marshmallow but have never had fluff. I’m scared of buying something that can sit (or may have been sitting) on the shelf for so long. I’m sure it’s fine because it has been around for so long. Maybe now that I read your post I’ll pick some up the next time I go to the supermarket.

  • Linda
    March 31, 2009

    That totally answered my question from your Peeps Cupcakes. Thanks!!!

  • The Clever Mom
    March 31, 2009

    I bought the Fluff almost exclusively because of its beautiful packaging! It looks like it walked straight out of 1955!

    I HATE trying to scoop or spread the stuff, though. I bought it to make your baked smores bars from a couple years ago and it was a pain to deal with.

  • StuffCooksWant
    March 31, 2009

    One of my sons’ friends eat peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwiches everyday for lunch at school. Imagine that poor teacher trying to corral that kid in the afternoons! We haven’t been brave enough to try it….what do you think?

  • Nicole
    March 31, 2009

    Peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches are called “Fluffernutters” and are definitely a piece of Americana. They’re delicious – although I have to say that I can’t eat as many of them these days as I did when I was a kid!

  • jaime
    March 31, 2009

    I’m embarrassed to say I had a craving for this stuff just last week and was eating it straight out of the jar! Another classic recipe that uses fluff is whoopie pies 🙂

  • Joe
    March 31, 2009

    Have to choose Marshmallow Fluff over the creme though… 🙂

  • Elyse
    April 1, 2009

    What interesting information! I really need to make some marshmallow cream cheese frosting. That sounds so darn good!

  • unconfidentialcook.com
    April 1, 2009

    Above all…it’s spoonalicious!

  • John
    April 2, 2009

    As a New England native, I have to differ.

    There is a world of difference between Marshmallow Fluff and Marshmallow Creme, and a fluffernutter is not made with marshmallow creme. Ever. Even if that’s all you can get. =)

  • LisAway
    April 9, 2009

    Um, I think I inadvertently just made marshmallow creme. I FINALLY got around to making your marshmallows and while converting gelatin packets into teaspoons and forgot that there were three and only added the equivalent of one packet. I am crying. Practically. It makes dang good creme, though!

  • Makie
    November 3, 2009

    You guys suck! 🙂

  • Mattman88
    May 20, 2010

    Marshmallow Fluff!!!

    dumbo

  • Mattman88
    May 20, 2010

    🙂 🙂 😛

  • Sher817
    May 22, 2010

    Can I substitute the Fluff for the Creme? It’s for clothes pin cookie filling

  • joanstrauss
    December 13, 2010

    Hi!,
    I live in Germany and wantnto make peanut rolls and need marschmellow cream. Do you know where I can get it? I live in Augsburg maybe heidelberg stores would have it. Please let me know. joan strauss

  • Sonya
    February 12, 2013

    My “Cost Plus World Market” store sells Marshmallow fluff in San Diego, CA.

  • Liz
    December 17, 2013

    2 tablespoons of marshmallow fluff has 6 grams of sugar – significantly less than someone would get in most granola bars or small cups of flavored yogurt. I highly doubt the fluffernutter-eating student mentioned by another poster presents difficulty being “corralled” by the teacher in the afternoons! Fluff is not a particularly sugary snack.

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